Suzuki S-Cross auto 2014 review

Suzuki is having a bet each way with its new S-Cross, a replacement for the SX4. Is it a five door hatch or a small SUV? They are going down the hatch path though, in the same breath, mention Nissan's Dualis as a competitor.  It's one of few cars sold here made in Hungary -- where Suzuki has had a factory for a decade or more.

DESIGN

S-Cross has a 'command' driving position like an SUV while the lower roofline and ride height are from a hatchback. It costs more than predecessor SX4 and has less power and torque and a smaller capacity engine. But S-Cross is a bigger car riding on a C-segment chassis rather than a smaller B-segment platform as with SX4. And it has a lot to offer, as well as a Suzuki Kizashi style front look that will flow through all Zooks in coming years.

Explore the 2014 Suzuki S-Cross range

• Suzuki S-Cross auto 2014 review
• Suzuki S-Cross 2014 review
• Suzuki S-Cross 4x2 GLX auto 2014 review

It gives S-Cross more legroom, luggage space and a longer wheelbase contributing to improved passenger comfort. And it's significantly lighter tipping the scales at a tad over 1100kg or about 110kg lighter than the SX4 with work done to slim down engine components and other running gear as well as the chassis.

ENGINE

The weight saving allows Suzuki to run a 1.6-litre, naturally aspirated, petrol four cylinder engine, with variable valve timing similar to the Swift Sport, capable of sipping fuel at a best of 5.8-litres/100km. It achieves 86kW/156Nm output. So, according to Suzuki, S-Cross ticks the two main boxes in its buyer profile  room and fuel economy.

PRICE / FEATURES

Three models are available in GL, GLX and GLX Prestige with the starting point $22,990 for the five speed manual base 2WD variant. The top of the range is in AWD only with CVT auto and comes in at $34,990.

In between is a variety of models in 2WD and AWD with manual only available on the GL (CVT is optional) and CVT on all the rest. The on-demand AWD system is out of Suzuki Kizashi too and offers four driver-select modes in Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock. The 2WD cars have Sports and Low modes.

Safety is five stars according to European NCAP testing. Standard features are good with the base model scoring Bluetooth phone and audio, cruise, air conditioning, alloys and other goodies. GLX gets a lot more including keyless button start, touch screen satnav, rain sensing wipers, xenon headlights, voice control, upgraded audio, reverse camera and paddle shift. The Prestige gains a dual sunroof and leather as well as paddle shift.

DRIVING

The quality seems up on other models in Suzuki's range particularly the interior materials and design, and the cabin is relatively comfortable -- though the sunroof in the Prestige restricts rear headroom.

Suzuki calibrates S-Cross to give comfortable car-like feel to the handling, ride, brakes and steering. It's also relatively quiet in higher spec' variants thanks to additional sound deadening. An aerodynamic rating of Cd 0.33 aids fuel economy and noise abatement. We drove all three models and they all feel pretty much the same in that the ride and handling is identical, they have the same amount of engine performance and all achieve roughly the same fuel economy.

Though supple, the relatively simple strut/torsion beam suspension holds S-Cross pretty flat through turns with minimal body roll evident. Some steering kickback is felt when you encounter bumps on fast corners and the CVT 'auto' tends to slur engine revs a lot when pushing harder or going up hills.

VERDICT

It's better than expected and would make a good, budget priced family all-rounder. But it doesn't look as good as the Subaru Impreza XV or some of the hatchbacks against which S-Cross will compete. However there is Suzuki's unbeatable reputation for reliability.